Meet Vikki Lenola: Producer of The Vegan Fashion Show

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vikki Lenola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vikki, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Years ago I came across a video of animals being skinned alive for fur. My heart sank. I knew it wasn’t right, and I couldn’t just continue on life like it wasn’t happening. I felt very compelled to help and kept learning more about the fur industry, followed by other animal rights issues. This was when I was in college for business. I later went to university for a bachelor of environmental studies. Currently, I’m in an Effective Altruism fellowship at UCLA with a focus on effective animal advocacy. My work background includes working with brands, working at events, and before modelling I had my own designs exclusively supplying a bridal boutique. All of this made starting The Vegan Fashion Show a great fit for me. It serves as a fundraiser for animals, plus it shows that we can have fashion that is kind to people, animals, and the planet.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Vegan Fashion Show will feature conscious brands on the catwalk, and a display of sustainable vegan textiles. Kind fashion is the future!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some things to check out would include: – The Broad (art museum) – Universal Studios Hollywood – A hike to the Hollywood sign – Peterson Automotive Museum Some places to eat include: – LA Vegan – Beauty & Essex – Catch LA – Crossroads Kitchen

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We are lucky to be sponsored by Umano.org, an organization with the same values of being kind to people, animals, and the planet – and recognizing their interconnections. They have a strong focus on fostering empathy. The organization has an incredible team and is doing so much to support positive change in the world. Proceeds from The Vegan Fashion Show will benefit Animal Justice, the organization leading the legal fight for animals in Canada, and giving them a voice in media. I am so grateful for the work they do. My friend Lucy Loo Ellis is on the board for The Vegan Fashion Show. She has an incredibly kind soul. I’m also constantly thinking wow, I’ve got such cool, supportive friends in general. I’m thankful for all of the amazing people I’ve connected with over the years.

Website:  www.theveganfashionshow.org

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theveganfashionshow

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theveganfashionshow